A circuit judge has signed an order permitting state Rep. Mickey Gates, R-District 22, to travel outside the state of Arkansas on business while he is out on bond on felony failure to pay tax charges, provided he meets "certain conditions."
Gates must provide written notice to the court and the special prosecutor in the case at least 10 business days before leaving the state, according to an order signed Monday by Circuit Judge Brad Karren.
Karren's order also says Gates must "immediately surrender" his passport to the Garland County circuit clerk.
Gates, who is charged with six felony counts of failure to pay or file a tax return, asked the Garland County Circuit Court on Friday for permission to travel out of state as part of his business.
Each count represents one year that Gates is accused of failing to file a return: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
"Gates's business -- the selling of knives with company logos which these companies then distribute to their customers -- requires him to attend various conventions and trade fairs around the United States," said the motion for permission to travel outside the state filed by Gates' attorney.
"Moreover, as a public official and public figure, Gates clearly is not a flight risk," the motion said.
Karren found that there was "good cause" for Gates to leave the state to promote his business interests and noted that the state did not object, provided certain conditions were met.
The judge also noted that Gates has "sufficient ties to the community" and has not previously failed to appear in any court.
As a condition of his release, Karren's order said Gates' written notices regarding travel outside the state must include the date he is leaving, the date he is expected to return and the purpose of the travel.
The prosecutor has 10 days after receiving Gates' notice he is leaving the state to file any objections.